Bingham's walk allows him to duck key vote

Friday

Jul 29, 2011 at 2:40 PM

Sen. Stan Bingham, R-Davidson, has always been a breath of fresh air when it comes to politicians. Bingham's generally a straight-shooter who can't easily be pigeon-holed. He votes his conscience and defies easy classification. That's what makes his actions in the state Senate on Thursday so disappointing.Bingham had voted against a bill that placed new restrictions on a woman seeking an abortion in North Carolina. He was the only Republican senator to do so. Gov. Bev Perdue vetoed the bill, and the GOP-led General Assembly sought to override her veto. The Senate would have failed to do so if Bingham had voted against the override Thursday. So facing intense pressure from the Republican caucus, Bingham took a walk, to use his phrase, and abstained from the override vote.Part of the problem with politics in America today is too many legislators put the needs of the party above all else. Bingham showed his reservations about the bill when he initially voted against it. He should have either maintained that position on the override vote or switched positions and explained he did so due to pressure from fellow Republicans. That still wouldn't have been very noble, but it would have been a better course of action than simply not voting either way.The redistricting of North Carolina's congressional districts has many politicians jockeying for position with the new borders, including Rep. Jerry Dockham, R-Davidson. The Denton Republican has his eyes on the 8th District seat now held by incumbent Democrat Larry Kissell. Redistricting moved Dockham from the 6th District, represented by long-time Republican Rep. Howard Coble, to the 8th, which is now more favorable to the GOP. Time will tell whether the new districts pass legal review, but if they do, Davidson County residents will take greater interest in the 8th District candidates should a native son run.Speaking of Coble, once again he's shown his willingness to take on the establishment by proposing a bill to reform the congressional pension system. Coble's bill would require congressmen to serve 12 years before entering the pension system, instead of the current five. The Greensboro Republican has declined to participate in the system during his time in Washington. While chances of passage may be slim, legislators who are serious about sending a positive message to voters that they aren't just aiming to enjoy generous benefits should back Coble's measure.The next step in the long process of Lexington's annexation attempt is under way as residents in the three affected areas are receiving petitions in which they can voice opposition to joining the city. The city also mailed a letter touting the benefits of annexation. The petitions are due back by Dec. 5; hopefully the issue will be settled one way or the other soon after that point, so both the targeted residents and city know the resolution to the matter.

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